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Binge drinking

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After the trial of the girl who was stamped to death by drunken youths, what can be done to curb the excessive drink binge culture we now find ourselves in?
It seems to what I read nearly everyday now that booze is a major factor,in anti social behaviour. The kids that were found guilty yesterday were 15 and 16 year olds out of their heads on drink. This is the second such case of someone being killed by drink fuelled kids in the last couple of months.
Who is to blame? :shock: Is it the parents for allowing this and allowing 15 year olds out at gone midnight, or to just roam the streets, or is it a wider problem with cheap drink being available everywhere? The numbers of very young children being admitted into hospital for being " drunk " has increase hugely over the last couple of years. It is obviously apparent that the major age range for this is between the ages of 15 and 21.
My answer is that something has to be done to stop this out of control behaviour. I would start by stopping the sale of cheap drink through the likes of supermarkets and certainly corner shops, where drink is being sold to minors,on a large scale. I would also stop the sale of alchohol to under 21's as Asda is doing as from April 1st. Drastic maybe but we all have a responsibilty to stop this kind of behaviour, and if they cannot get hold of the drink then maybe another death could be avoided.
Would be interested to hear others views on this frightening increase on under age drinking.
Im not convinced there has been an increase in drink related crime. I remember gangs of drunken youths terrorising the "Wood" in my youth. If there has I would offer an alternative view.
Has it been fuelled by cheap drink or by the number of young people who have plenty of time and plenty of cash?
When i was 16 some 27 years ago we either went into further education or into the workplace. Either way we had a very limited alcohol budget. Most parents expected a hefty contribution to the household, i remember paying my mom "rent" from my small holiday jobs. These days I see a lot of young people, with incomes, living effectively rent free. Even the ones with no incomes seem to get ridiculous amounts of pocket money. One of my sons acquaintances frequently treats himself to 3 or 4 bottles of vodka as a contribution to teen house parties.
Maybe the oldies are spoiling the teens and setting them up for a fall.
That said when i was a lad it was rare to see a mate drinking spirits, these days its seems to be what all the teens do. I put the blame for this cultural shift firmly at the door of the alcopop marketers. I recently learned that the thing to do is drink a third of an alcopop and then top it up with vodka.
Where are the parents! dunno
I feel as a parent of three one being a 17 year old boy. We need to be aware at all times where our children are and who they are mixing with. I would blame myself if one of my children got into drugs or drink. I would question where I have gone wrong and hold my hands up!
My son would never goes out unless he has somewhere to go and I can contact him at anytime. Where is the control of the parents?
On the Continent, alcohol is widely available and cheap but it is just 'not cool' to be outside and drunk. Yes, there are issues of alcoholism but nothing like in the UK where kids go out specifically to get hammered.
It is the culture that needs addressing because there is evidence from Scandinavia that tighter legislation and more expensive duty, the greater is the aspiration to have it and the bigger the problem of inebriation.
We all need think about how alcohol is portrayed socially in this country and what we can do to change attitudes to alcohol.
Where are the parents????? evil

If I hear one more person ask "is it the parents to blame for teenage drinking?" I reckon I'll blow a gaskett! mad
I am (if I say so myself) a firm parent with high standards of care where my family is concerned. I've always had rules and I've been fairly strict with my daughter - she goes out at 6pm and is in by school nights, 10pm weekends. She's 16 years old and I CANNOT 100% control what she does out of this house. Believe me if I could... I would. I have had a year from hell because of situations with her beyond my control - she's a lovely kid really. I've tried grounding, I've tried checking her bag as she goes out, I've tried following her, I've tried only allowing her out with certain people. The only thing I haven't tried is taking a step back and letting her bloody well get on with it.
I speak for other decent parents on here going through the same..(and I know they are!) don't blame the parents blame the culture and the world we live in! Even the best and most decent of kids will get into bother now and then - it's a fact of life.
Binge drinking is the most popular pasttime in teens at this time. I hate that fact. I've tried showing her pictures of shrivelled livers, bloated/spotty faces, I've made her watch 'BingeNation' on Sky. You name it I've tried it. I know for a fact she 'swigs' vodka with her pals like it's pop.
What more can I do - if anyone has any bright ideas, please forward them?
Quote by jaymar
Where are the parents????? evil
If I hear one more person ask "is it the parents to blame for teenage drinking?" I reckon I'll blow a gaskett! mad
I am (if I say so myself) a firm parent with high standards of care where my family is concerned. I've always had rules and I've been fairly strict with my daughter. She's 16 years old and I CANNOT 100% control what she does out of this house. Believe me if I could... I would. I have had a year from hell because of situations with her beyond my control - she's a lovely kid really. I've tried grounding, I've tried checking her bag as she goes out, I've tried following her, I've tried only allowing her out with certain people. The only thing I haven't tried is taking a step back and letting her bloody well get on with it.
I speak for other decent parents on here going through the same..(and I know they are!) don't blame the parents blame the culture and the world we live in! Even the best and most decent of kids will get into bother now and then - it's a fact of life.
Binge drinking is the most popular pasttime in teens at this time. I hate that fact. I've tried showing her pictures of shrivelled livers, bloated/spotty faces, I've made her watch 'BingeNation' on Sky. You name it I've tried it. I know for a fact she 'swigs' vodka with her pals like it's pop.
What more can I do - if anyone has any bright ideas, please forward them?

And that is what we all need to address. I take my hate off to you for the way you have brought up your child but am sorry, not all are like you. You can be the best parent in the world and your child can still get into trouble..that is a fact.
We need to find a way of stopping kids getting their hands on drink, and punish those who allow them to in the first place, be it the parents or the shops who sell it to them. Because come tonight and tom night when the major problems with alchohol will happen, how many people will be living in fear of the drunken ( under age ) yobs on their street corners?
Where are the parents????? evil
If I hear one more person ask "is it the parents to blame for teenage drinking?" I reckon I'll blow a gaskett! mad
I am (if I say so myself) a firm parent with high standards of care where my family is concerned. I've always had rules and I've been fairly strict with my daughter - she goes out at 6pm and is in by school nights, 10pm weekends. She's 16 years old and I CANNOT 100% control what she does out of this house. Believe me if I could... I would. I have had a year from hell because of situations with her beyond my control - she's a lovely kid really. I've tried grounding, I've tried checking her bag as she goes out, I've tried following her, I've tried only allowing her out with certain people. The only thing I haven't tried is taking a step back and letting her bloody well get on with it.
I speak for other decent parents on here going through the same..(and I know they are!) don't blame the parents blame the culture and the world we live in! Even the best and most decent of kids will get into bother now and then - it's a fact of life.
Binge drinking is the most popular pasttime in teens at this time. I hate that fact. I've tried showing her pictures of shrivelled livers, bloated/spotty faces, I've made her watch 'BingeNation' on Sky. You name it I've tried it. I know for a fact she 'swigs' vodka with her pals like it's pop.
What more can I do - if anyone has any bright ideas, please forward them?

Just an idea but most children have a talent there is generally something that would interest them..sports, drama, music, dance, scouts etc. It can take a lot of commitment on the part of parents lifts, money etc.
These activities need to be started at an early age, later in age is harder to achieve.
But I have found an intrest for all my children and they look forward to the days of these activities. Child like adults need something to focus on that they enjoy and look forward too. I am lucky I live in London crime rate is high but everything is here for them to explore too.
I was not old enough to have been involved in National Service myself but the culture in the days of my youth was certainly not yob based; we always had things to do!
However, from what I am told by chums who are older and were conscripted, the Armed Forces certainly drummed in self discipline and a care culture which does not exist today.
The youth need somewhere to offload all that aggression.. channel it into fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan perhaps?
How many people here...and i bet there are a few,have gone out and got fucking sloshed and either bragged or joked about it the next day?...i have even seen people come on here after a munch and been quite proud of themselves that they got shitfaced the night before!...kids will mirror adults if they think its ok for mum and dad to do so,for example...another reason i read today was how expensive it is to get involved in many sports activities or even going to the cinema say...drinking is cheaper...a very sad fact!
Quote by kentswingers777
Where are the parents????? evil
If I hear one more person ask "is it the parents to blame for teenage drinking?" I reckon I'll blow a gaskett! mad
I am (if I say so myself) a firm parent with high standards of care where my family is concerned. I've always had rules and I've been fairly strict with my daughter. She's 16 years old and I CANNOT 100% control what she does out of this house. Believe me if I could... I would. I have had a year from hell because of situations with her beyond my control - she's a lovely kid really. I've tried grounding, I've tried checking her bag as she goes out, I've tried following her, I've tried only allowing her out with certain people. The only thing I haven't tried is taking a step back and letting her bloody well get on with it.
I speak for other decent parents on here going through the same..(and I know they are!) don't blame the parents blame the culture and the world we live in! Even the best and most decent of kids will get into bother now and then - it's a fact of life.
Binge drinking is the most popular pasttime in teens at this time. I hate that fact. I've tried showing her pictures of shrivelled livers, bloated/spotty faces, I've made her watch 'BingeNation' on Sky. You name it I've tried it. I know for a fact she 'swigs' vodka with her pals like it's pop.
What more can I do - if anyone has any bright ideas, please forward them?

And that is what we all need to address. I take my hate off to you for the way you have brought up your child but am sorry, not all are like you. You can be the best parent in the world and your child can still get into trouble..that is a fact.
We need to find a way of stopping kids getting their hands on drink, and punish those who allow them to in the first place, be it the parents or the shops who sell it to them. Because come tonight and tom night when the major problems with alchohol will happen, how many people will be living in fear of the drunken ( under age ) yobs on their street corners?
You're missing my point. Re-read my thread. The 'where's the parents' was a flippant remark to someone else suggesting it! wink
I'm in total agreeance with you post btw - that was my point.
Quote by Theladyisaminx
Where are the parents????? evil
If I hear one more person ask "is it the parents to blame for teenage drinking?" I reckon I'll blow a gaskett! mad
I am (if I say so myself) a firm parent with high standards of care where my family is concerned. I've always had rules and I've been fairly strict with my daughter - she goes out at 6pm and is in by school nights, 10pm weekends. She's 16 years old and I CANNOT 100% control what she does out of this house. Believe me if I could... I would. I have had a year from hell because of situations with her beyond my control - she's a lovely kid really. I've tried grounding, I've tried checking her bag as she goes out, I've tried following her, I've tried only allowing her out with certain people. The only thing I haven't tried is taking a step back and letting her bloody well get on with it.
I speak for other decent parents on here going through the same..(and I know they are!) don't blame the parents blame the culture and the world we live in! Even the best and most decent of kids will get into bother now and then - it's a fact of life.
Binge drinking is the most popular pasttime in teens at this time. I hate that fact. I've tried showing her pictures of shrivelled livers, bloated/spotty faces, I've made her watch 'BingeNation' on Sky. You name it I've tried it. I know for a fact she 'swigs' vodka with her pals like it's pop.
What more can I do - if anyone has any bright ideas, please forward them?

Just an idea but most children have a talent there is generally something that would interest them..sports, drama, music, dance, scouts etc. It can take a lot of commitment on the part of parents lifts, money etc.
These activities need to be started at an early age, later in age is harder to achieve.
But I have found an intrest for all my children and they look forward to the days of these activities. Child like adults need something to focus on that they enjoy and look forward too. I am lucky I live in London crime rate is high but everything is here for them to explore too.
I've done all that. I did the rainbow run, the guide run, the dancing run, the this and that run. We've gone camping, we've gone bowling, we done everything all together as a family. If my husband and I had a night out, she stayed at friends, that way she never ever saw me drunk! never!. All this worked, until the age of 15, then all she wanted to focus on was boys, make up, clothes.
What do you do then? be selfish and not allow them to do that? or allow them to grow up in their own way making their own mistakes.
If anyone has the book, can I borrow it please? wink
I was brought up with a healthy attitude to drinking and I never indulged in binge drinking. We have brought our children up the same way, having had a glass of wine with a meal or maybe a beer at the weekend. They behave regardless of the company and are never antisocial when drinking. They don't go mad, but I expect that they do drink when with friends - although I would be shocked if they drunk on the streets.
I know where they are without having to know their every move - my daughter feels the need to text me when she's at certain points of a journey but I don't insist on that. We have a code word that she has to say or put into a text just so I can be assured that all is well, if I need that reassurance.
Other than their upbringing, I can't have much control over what they do as they go out into the big wide world. I just have to trust that what we taught was enough. They are old enough to take responsibility for their own actions and accept the consequences though.
Quote by Freckledbird
I was brought up with a healthy attitude to drinking and I never indulged in binge drinking. We have brought our children up the same way, having had a glass of wine with a meal or maybe a beer at the weekend. They behave regardless of the company and are never antisocial when drinking. They don't go mad, but I expect that they do drink when with friends - although I would be shocked if they drunk on the streets.

We (my sis/bro and myself) were brought up the same - as was my son. Some kids unfortunately don't have parents that treat alcohol sensibly. But the rest of us can only do what we can.
Quote by Freckledbird
Other than their upbringing, I can't have much control over what they do as they go out into the big wide world. I just have to trust that what we taught was enough. They are old enough to take responsibility for their own actions and accept the consequences though.

Ohh that is SO TRUE. You guide them, show them, teach them and then cross your fingers and give them a gentle push out the door. Mine is about to go t Uni (at last!!) and I can only trust that the 20 years input has given him the direction he needs - not to never get into trouble - but to be able to live his life right overall.
I have done the same with my kids as FB, following on from what my parents taught me.
My dad worked in a brewery when I was little, and i was around drink from an early age. I was allowed under supervisin to have sips of beer or my mums bacardi & coke etc from as early as I can rememeber. So drink was never a big forbidden .
I grew up being allowed my own drinks on high days and holidays, always under supervisin and always watered down with a mixer of some sorts, and I allow my kids the same liberties.
My son who is now 14, sufferes from migraines, and I tell him if he drinks too much or ever sneaks alcohol, he will have a hangover thats like having 10 migraines at once. A good deterrent for him anyway.
Hubby used to work in a job whereby he dealt with the effects of teen drinking, picking them up during drinking binges and treating them, and taking them home or to hospital.
He had a little thing whereby he told the ranting parents, not to waste their breath shouting while the kid was too drunk to care, but to wait until the next morning, when their hangover was in full flow, cook em a big greasy fry up and then let em have it with both barrels....he says its a far better thing to make sure they dont do it again! lol
Could letting a child who insists on sneaking alcohol drink themselves into a hangover be the answer to teaching them a lesson....maybe
Raising prices on alcopops and cheap shots at bars & clubs could be another way, but as several people have said, its popular culture that deems it cool to have these sorts of drinks, just as it was de rigeur to snort coke in the 80's to get your jollies.
There will always be something else thats promoted to the youngsters of the day as THE way to have a great time. Unfortunately its always something thats damaging to physical and mental health as well as morals and society too.
All we can do is trust ourselves as parents, that we have insillled a sense of decent behaviour and common sense into our kids, and trust our kids to carry out all they have learned from you.
big 'ups' to parents everywhere for the tough job they do!
Quote by jaymar
I've done all that. I did the rainbow run, the guide run, the dancing run, the this and that run. We've gone camping, we've gone bowling, we done everything all together as a family. If my husband and I had a night out, she stayed at friends, that way she never ever saw me drunk! never!. All this worked, until the age of 15, then all she wanted to focus on was boys, make up, clothes.
What do you do then? be selfish and not allow them to do that? or allow them to grow up in their own way making their own mistakes.
If anyone has the book, can I borrow it please? wink

You allow her to grow up in her own way, making her own mistakes - you've done all that you can :therethere:
You know where I am if you want to chat honey. kiss
thats the thing i was trying to say in my post but totally lost the words i was looking for whilst typing.....letting them learn from their own mistakes.....thanks FB for writing what I was trying to biggrin
Quote by Bonedigger
Could letting a child who insists on sneaking alcohol drink themselves into a hangover be the answer to teaching them a lesson....maybe
There will always be something else thats promoted to the youngsters of the day as THE way to have a great time. Unfortunately its always something thats damaging to physical and mental health as well as morals and society too.

Harsh lessons have far more effect than hours of talking. When my brother took to playing with matches my mum shoved his hand in the fire - no damage but it scared the wits out of him - very effective. Kids have been forced to eat cigarettes when they were caught sneaking a fag. These are very effective methods, they are also dangerous and we (parents) are constantly at risk of being hauled in front of the authorities for child abuse at the best of times.
For a lot of subjects, I would use the opportunities raised by TV programmes (often soaps) to have a conversation with my son about difficult topics. But for some teen-risks, that may not be enough.
(The rest of the quoted post was excellent - I'm just conscious of using a lot of space)
Quote by jaymar
Where are the parents????? evil
If I hear one more person ask "is it the parents to blame for teenage drinking?" I reckon I'll blow a gaskett! mad
I am (if I say so myself) a firm parent with high standards of care where my family is concerned. I've always had rules and I've been fairly strict with my daughter - she goes out at 6pm and is in by school nights, 10pm weekends. She's 16 years old and I CANNOT 100% control what she does out of this house. Believe me if I could... I would. I have had a year from hell because of situations with her beyond my control - she's a lovely kid really. I've tried grounding, I've tried checking her bag as she goes out, I've tried following her, I've tried only allowing her out with certain people. The only thing I haven't tried is taking a step back and letting her bloody well get on with it.
I speak for other decent parents on here going through the same..(and I know they are!) don't blame the parents blame the culture and the world we live in! Even the best and most decent of kids will get into bother now and then - it's a fact of life.
Binge drinking is the most popular pasttime in teens at this time. I hate that fact. I've tried showing her pictures of shrivelled livers, bloated/spotty faces, I've made her watch 'BingeNation' on Sky. You name it I've tried it. I know for a fact she 'swigs' vodka with her pals like it's pop.
What more can I do - if anyone has any bright ideas, please forward them?

Just an idea but most children have a talent there is generally something that would interest them..sports, drama, music, dance, scouts etc. It can take a lot of commitment on the part of parents lifts, money etc.
These activities need to be started at an early age, later in age is harder to achieve.
But I have found an intrest for all my children and they look forward to the days of these activities. Child like adults need something to focus on that they enjoy and look forward too. I am lucky I live in London crime rate is high but everything is here for them to explore too.
I've done all that. I did the rainbow run, the guide run, the dancing run, the this and that run. We've gone camping, we've gone bowling, we done everything all together as a family. If my husband and I had a night out, she stayed at friends, that way she never ever saw me drunk! never!. All this worked, until the age of 15, then all she wanted to focus on was boys, make up, clothes.
What do you do then? be selfish and not allow them to do that? or allow them to grow up in their own way making their own mistakes.
If anyone has the book, can I borrow it please? wink
There is no book and I hope you dont think I dont symphaise with you. My heart goes out and my fingers crossed as I have a daughter who is 11 and she will push whatever boundarie we lay down. I just hope and pray she doesnt go off the rails and is strong enough to steer clear of drugs and alcohol. There are children that would buckle under the pressure of their peers. I for one when I was a teenager didnt think my parent knew anything and I would push the boundaries. We have all been tennagers, but with the right footings in the beginning hopefully is it just a passing phase and is just that and will pass. I truely hope so in your case. Good luck x
I'm very tired now but will try to answer this as coherantly and honestly as I can....
My son indulges in binge drinking and has done for a few years now. He is 20 this year and it has got him into shed loads of trouble. Not only that but we discovered he was smoking cannabis and tobacco at around 15 years of age.
He decided to leave home at 16 years of age against our wishes. We had to move and he did not want to leave the town where his friends and girlfriend were. Legally our hands were tied and the police told us there was nothing we could do to make him stay :cry: I do not drink and neither does Stormy. In fact I have never in my life ever been drunk. A little tipsy maybe but never drunk. I have never tried cannabis and gave up smoking 18 years ago. Stormy has never smoked. My son's father though is an alcoholic and I left him when my son was nearly 3 thinking to get him away from that influence and the dangers of city life.
Through counselling that my son is having it has emerged that my son felt for years that the sun shone out of his fathers backside (he only saw him for a couple of weeks a year) over the last couple of years he has learned the full extent of his fathers failings and is trying so hard not to go the same way. He is hugely upset about the fact that he often finds himself in situations that actually make him seem so much like his father.
Let me get one thing clear...THIS IS NOT MY FAULT
My child has made some stupid decisions in his short life and is now coping with the consequences of them. I will ALWAYS be here for him and he knows this. I have never been unconcerned about his whereabouts and I have been the best parent I know how to be. As someone said...there is no manual so I have done my best. I have learned alot through parenting my eldest and that will no doubt help me with the ongoing job of raising our other two.
What really gets my goat is being told or reading about how perfect other parents are and how they don't make mistakes because of x y and z.
My son phones me every day, he loves me and does'nt care who he says it in front of, I get info on the most private areas of his life (whether I need them or not smile ) because he trusts me and values my advice.
There is a binge culture today whether we like it or not and more must be done with regards to the ease with which teens can buy the stuff mad
When I left school and went straight to work I had to be in a 10pm because I had to get up for work!, my dad was very strict about this.
Where are the parents?, probably in the pub themselves getting pissed.
I think the moral fibre of society has completley broken down.
Quote by firelizard
I'm very tired now but will try to answer this as coherantly and honestly as I can....
My son indulges in binge drinking and has done for a few years now. He is 20 this year and it has got him into shed loads of trouble. Not only that but we discovered he was smoking cannabis and tobacco at around 15 years of age.
He decided to leave home at 16 years of age against our wishes. We had to move and he did not want to leave the town where his friends and girlfriend were. Legally our hands were tied and the police told us there was nothing we could do to make him stay :cry: I do not drink and neither does Stormy. In fact I have never in my life ever been drunk. A little tipsy maybe but never drunk. I have never tried cannabis and gave up smoking 18 years ago. Stormy has never smoked. My son's father though is an alcoholic and I left him when my son was nearly 3 thinking to get him away from that influence and the dangers of city life.
Through counselling that my son is having it has emerged that my son felt for years that the sun shone out of his fathers backside (he only saw him for a couple of weeks a year) over the last couple of years he has learned the full extent of his fathers failings and is trying so hard not to go the same way. He is hugely upset about the fact that he often finds himself in situations that actually make him seem so much like his father.
Let me get one thing clear...THIS IS NOT MY FAULT
My child has made some stupid decisions in his short life and is now coping with the consequences of them. I will ALWAYS be here for him and he knows this. I have never been unconcerned about his whereabouts and I have been the best parent I know how to be. As someone said...there is no manual so I have done my best. I have learned alot through parenting my eldest and that will no doubt help me with the ongoing job of raising our other two.
What really gets my goat is being told or reading about how perfect other parents are and how they don't make mistakes because of x y and z.
My son phones me every day, he loves me and does'nt care who he says it in front of, I get info on the most private areas of his life (whether I need them or not smile ) because he trusts me and values my advice.
There is a binge culture today whether we like it or not and more must be done with regards to the ease with which teens can buy the stuff mad

Fire...my life in reiteration... thanks for that, I now know I'm not alone.. kiss xx
Quote by Freckledbird

I've done all that. I did the rainbow run, the guide run, the dancing run, the this and that run. We've gone camping, we've gone bowling, we done everything all together as a family. If my husband and I had a night out, she stayed at friends, that way she never ever saw me drunk! never!. All this worked, until the age of 15, then all she wanted to focus on was boys, make up, clothes.
What do you do then? be selfish and not allow them to do that? or allow them to grow up in their own way making their own mistakes.
If anyone has the book, can I borrow it please? wink

You allow her to grow up in her own way, making her own mistakes - you've done all that you can :therethere:
You know where I am if you want to chat honey. kiss
Thank you.. you know I appreciate this and I also know I can trust you.. :kiss:
Quote by Theladyisaminx
There is no book and I hope you dont think I dont symphaise with you. My heart goes out and my fingers crossed as I have a daughter who is 11 and she will push whatever boundarie we lay down. I just hope and pray she doesnt go off the rails and is strong enough to steer clear of drugs and alcohol. There are children that would buckle under the pressure of their peers. I for one when I was a teenager didnt think my parent knew anything and I would push the boundaries. We have all been tennagers, but with the right footings in the beginning hopefully is it just a passing phase and is just that and will pass. I truely hope so in your case. Good luck x

Thank you.. I do appreciate that x
Quote by firelizard
What really gets my goat is being told or reading about how perfect other parents are and how they don't make mistakes because of x y and z.

Please don't take my post as saying that I am a perfect parent! I'm far from it - all I was saying is that (so far, and to the best of my knowledge), my children haven't indulged in binge drinking.
I'm sorry if anything in my post upset you; that certainly was not my intention kiss
Here are a few of the problems which, in my opinion, lead to the binge drinking culture:
1) Affordability - the drinks are relatively inexpensive and kids have considerably more money than they had 20-30 years ago
2) Availability - In my youth you had to find an off licence where you could get way with it and there were only three withing reasonable walking distance. The off licences had something to lose if they were found out then. Today there are a multitude of alcohol outlets in every neighbourhood.
3) Lack of motivation - kids do not have to strive to achieve a comfortable life these days it is easy to be comfortable without trying therefore drifting around is quite normal. Smoking, drinking, watching R18 dvd's, shop lifting it is all just too easy to drift into and not get really punished for it.
4) Media propoganda - need to be careful here - TV's & papers love to show people drunk. Whether it be with the cops on a night out in UK or Spain or constantly showing pople drinking and suffering in Soaps and films. The media successfully made wearing a seat belt cool and acceptable, it can and should now focus on the alcohol problem and make being drunk very uncool. Not much profit though in making social statements.
In my opinion the biggest single factor is becomng engaged with kids and breaking down the barrier that means parents are just so dull and boring, and 'just don't understand.' Somewhere and somehow our PC Society has fostered a situation whereby kids have a say, they have a voice and they are heard. They voice their opinions and idea's to establish rights and priviliges borne out of nothing but political correctness.
I have the utmost sympathy with the very many good parents out there who feel thay are just losing the bond with their children because where once discipline and threats enabled a tight reign kids now feel that they can do whatver they want with no significant consequences.
These are the atitudes that have to change, in my opinion.
Quote by Freckledbird

What really gets my goat is being told or reading about how perfect other parents are and how they don't make mistakes because of x y and z.

Please don't take my post as saying that I am a perfect parent! I'm far from it - all I was saying is that (so far, and to the best of my knowledge), my children haven't indulged in binge drinking.
I'm sorry if anything in my post upset you; that certainly was not my intentionkiss
Absolutely not Frecks :kiss: You'll have to try harder than that to upset me smile
I was speaking generally not about anyone in particular and I'm hoping that my post will show a little of how some children arrive at these problems. Of course there are umpteen variations on the general theme of my post. We can't make sweeping generalisations about parenting skills..everyones parenting skills are based on their own childhood experiences and some of us folk that have had alot of shite in their lives are still damn good people cool
Personnaly i think it is very much the parents responsibilty but the problem is you only have that for you own children. You can bring up the most respectful and intelligent, polite child. But it only take one unruly, uncontrolable child, uncared for by its parents because letting them do what they want is a far easier life for them, to undo everything you ever taught your child about respect and decency.
Hopefully that deceny will come back once teens have got it out of their system, but the ones that never had it in the first place dunno
Quote by Too Hot
Here are a few of the problems which, in my opinion, lead to the binge drinking culture:
1) Affordability - the drinks are relatively inexpensive and kids have considerably more money than they had 20-30 years ago
2) Availability - In my youth you had to find an off licence where you could get way with it and there were only three withing reasonable walking distance. The off licences had something to lose if they were found out then. Today there are a multitude of alcohol outlets in every neighbourhood.
3) Lack of motivation - kids do not have to strive to achieve a comfortable life these days it is easy to be comfortable without trying therefore drifting around is quite normal. Smoking, drinking, watching R18 dvd's, shop lifting it is all just too easy to drift into and not get really punished for it.4) Media propoganda - need to be careful here - TV's & papers love to show people drunk. Whether it be with the cops on a night out in UK or Spain or constantly showing pople drinking and suffering in Soaps and films. The media successfully made wearing a seat belt cool and acceptable, it can and should now focus on the alcohol problem and make being drunk very uncool. Not much profit though in making social statements.
In my opinion the biggest single factor is becomng engaged with kids and breaking down the barrier that means parents are just so dull and boring, and 'just don't understand.' Somewhere and somehow our PC Society has fostered a situation whereby kids have a say, they have a voice and they are heard. They voice their opinions and idea's to establish rights and priviliges borne out of nothing but political correctness.
I have the utmost sympathy with the very many good parents out there who feel thay are just losing the bond with their children because where once discipline and threats enabled a tight reign kids now feel that they can do whatver they want with no significant consequences.
These are the atitudes that have to change, in my opinion.

Those are two of the very good reasons indeed. As I have already said, Asda is stopping selling drink to anyone under the age of 21 from April. The others MUST follow suit. I would certainly stop the corner shops from selling it as we all know they sell fags and drink willy nilly to the young!
I am lucky in as much that both my Daughters dont drink much, they are 25 and 21. Yes my youngest does like a drink but as she drives most weekends, that stops her from having a drink anyway. Of course if a child goes out drinking under age and gets caught, it is not always the parents fault but...if a 14 or 15 year old is out after ten at night, sometimes much later, what do the parents think they are doing? Why is the child NOT indoors at that time of night? Reason? Because so many parents, not all, just really don't give a toss where their kids are or what they are up to. If they did care why are their kids not indoors at 10 or 11 at night?
In my opinion in the next 3 years Government will crack down hard on selling drink to minors, and the age will be raised to 21 to buy it. It has to happen because as most will already know, we go out and see drunken youths on street corners nearly every night of the week, and witness and read the terrible actions these drunken youths cause. Go back to the days when drink could only be brought from an off license...and stop supermarkets from selling cheap booze as a LOSS leader. 4 boxes of different drinks over Xmas for 20 quid ffs,they also have a lot to answer for. :shock:
I haven't read all the posts yet on this subject, but read enough to reply. In my job as a youth worker I see the effects of binge drinking and the attitudes of the kids. They really do not care. They think it is all a laugh. In my job, I am supposed to provide information to the young people about the dangers of drinking and using drugs, but the kids already know the dangers and to get them to take part in an activity around these subjects is near enough impossible. The subject bores them to death. Is it he parents fault, sometimes. In reference to Jaymar, please don't think I am blaming the parents. This is the minority. In the community I work, I have young people who have their alcohol bought for them by their parents and many parents in the community are either alcoholics or drug users.
I believe the only way to control our binge drinking culture is to raise the age to 21. How many 14 year olds look 18 when they are out drinking!!!!!!
Unfortunately I don't think we will ever stop underage drinking, but we can control it.
Quote by mickandmich
I haven't read all the posts yet on this subject, but read enough to reply. In my job as a youth worker I see the effects of binge drinking and the attitudes of the kids. They really do not care. They think it is all a laugh. In my job, I am supposed to provide information to the young people about the dangers of drinking and using drugs, but the kids already know the dangers and to get them to take part in an activity around these subjects is near enough impossible. The subject bores them to death. Is it he parents fault, sometimes. In reference to Jaymar, please don't think I am blaming the parents. This is the minority. In the community I work, I have young people who have their alcohol bought for them by their parents and many parents in the community are either alcoholics or drug users.
I believe the only way to control our binge drinking culture is to raise the age to 21. How many 14 year olds look 18 when they are out drinking!!!!!!
Unfortunately I don't think we will ever stop underage drinking, but we can control it.

I think that's abs. fine, I don't doubt for one minute that there are bad parents out there who don't actually know how to bring up their kids... my back was well and truly up yesterday on people who ALWAYS blame the parents when there are some really decent parents out there doing the best they can.
You have a hell of a hard job, I've shadowed youth workers smile